Wonders of North India

This classic itinerary covers iconic sites of Rajasthan and the Gangetic Plain. For travelers looking for exposure to a variety of experiences and atmospheres. The trip to Khajuraho ends on the banks of the Ganges.

Day 1 : Delhi

Day 2 : Delhi

In Old Delhi, visit the mosque of Jama Masjid and Mughal Red Fort… Wander in Chandni Chowk bazaar. In New Delhi, visit Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and Humayun’s Tomb.

Day 3 : Delhi / Amber / Jaipur

Leave for Rajasthan. First stop in Amber, once the feodal capital of the region. Ride an elephant up the Fort. Proceed to to the walled city of Jaipur and check in hotel.

Day 4 : Jaipur

Maharaja Jai Singh II founded Jaipur in 1727. Visit City Palace, Hawa Mahal (the Palace of Winds) and the Observatory of Jantar Mantar. Stroll around the lively bazaars.

Day 5 : Jaipur / Fatehpur Sikri / Agra

Drive to Agra en route visiting the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri. Reach Agra and visit Red Fort and Itmad ud Daulah Mausoleum. From the bank of Yamuna River, get a glimpse of Taj Mahal at sunset.

Day 6 : Taj Mahal / Gwalior

Visit fabulous Taj Mahal. Then drive to Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. The breathtaking Fort features palaces and Jain and Hindu temples including Surya, Teli ka Mandir, Saas Bahu Temples and the Sikh Gurudwara.

Day 7 : Sonagiri / Datia / Orchha

Drive to Orchha en route visiting the temple-covered hill of Sonagiri
and the elegant Govind Palace in Datia. Proceed to Orchha.

Day 8 : Orchha

Once the capital of Bundelkhand kingdom, Orchha is now a pleasant town. Visit Jehangir Mahal and Raj Mahal palaces, and Ram Raja, Chhatturbhuj and Laxmi Mandir temples. Walk along the serene river.

Day 9 : Orchha / Khajuraho

Trip to Khajuraho. Elegant temples were carved a thousands years ago and richly adorned with erotic statues. They remained forgotten for centuries and are now a world renowned site.

Day 10 : Khajuraho / Varanasi

Board a train or flight to Varanasi, the most sacred place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The old city is a maze of narrow alleyways leading to holy ghats, where the ceremony of Ganga Aarti is held at sunset.

Day 11 : Varanasi and Sarnath

Early morning boat ride on the Ganges. Observe pilgrims take a purifying dip in the river. Temple tour of the old city : Vishwanath Golden Temple, Durga and Tulsi Manas Temples... Trip to Sarnath shrine where Buddha preached his first sermon.

Day 12 : Varanasi / Delhi

Board a train or flight back to Delhi or to your next destination.

When to visit the region:

Best time:

October to March

Possible period:

July to September

Avoid:

May and June

Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays, Delhi Red Fort on Mondays. Ganges River is not fit for navigation during monsoon (July to September).

Spice up your trip:

Stay at legendary Palaces or boutique Ganga facing hotels.

Reach Varanasi by boat after an adventurous expedition on the Ganges with overnight nature camping.

Enhance your trip to Khajuraho with a wildlife safari in nearby Panna or Bandhavgarh Park.